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This is in response to a letter to the editor written by Victor Kraft and published on Sep. 4. I was the one that signed up vendors for the museum’s event in August, I was in charge of obtaining vendors to fill the museum parking lot for the day’s events. Kraft wrote the letter asking what the Loring Air Museum was thinking about the group Tactical Civics at the event in August.
My answer is simple: I was approached by the head of the group who stated it was a pro-Second Amendment group. As a veteran who served, I feel it is important to hold strong to keeping our rights to gun ownership intact and the right to bear arms to protect ourselves and property at all costs. If I had known the true intent of the group, this would never have been a decision made by myself on behalf of the museum.
Our aim is to keep the museum going in the best possible manner and do what’s best to maintain items, display items and keep having events for our local community and those that come for events. These events cost money, and the vendor money helps offset the insurance and costs associated with putting on such large events. Before people jump to conclusions about the museum, they need to know the specifics and remember what it takes to do this. However, I believe we were misled when told about this group. In the future, they will not be allowed at our events.
Kraft taking items back that were donated to the museum by him is his choice. I have explained myself multiple times, but when seeing this online, I feel I need to explain myself to the public at large, especially after it was brought to my attention only recently.
Our museum has become larger than ever with a large tourist footprint. We help other groups, opening for schools, private tours, donating to others and giving scholarships. We have a large Facebook footprint with 16 groups and a website. If people understood what goes into planning and the finances to run such an event and pay bills through the years I think they would not be so inclined to bash before finding out the truth first.
Groups in Aroostook County and nationwide are seeing a decline in volunteers and help. Yet the public still demands the same amount of help from scholarships and for other needs. It’s very difficult to do when numbers are down in the form of membership and much of that comes from people who walk away because of people causing hate and discontent.
Remember we are all volunteers, and even we are entitled to mistakes.
Cuppy Johndro
Caribou
